To find colleges that are a good fit, you need to learn about the
factors that can influence your experience in and out of the
classroom. Develop your personal list of college search criteria
to find the best colleges for you.

A better search strategy will give you better results! Whether
you want information about colleges you think are a good fit, or
you want to find new colleges that are right for you, we have the
tips to get you started and the tools to finish the job

To find colleges that are a good fit, you need to learn about the factors that can influence your experience in and out of the classroom. Develop your personal list of college search criteria to find the best colleges for you.

A better search strategy will give you better results! Whether you want information about colleges you think are a good fit, or you want to find new colleges that are right for you, we have the tips to get you started and the tools to finish the job.

Expert
Advice

When you apply to college, planning and attention to detail really matter! Check out our advice on getting organized, how to make your college applications stand out, and what to do when decisions arrive.

When you apply to college, planning and attention to detail really matter! Check out our advice on getting organized, how to make your college applications stand out, and what to do when decisions arrive.

How to Shine in Your College Application Essay

Your application essay is not about grades, scores, or achievements—it's about you. It introduces you as an individual and shows that you can write and think coherently.

Colleges want curious and articulate people who are ready to enter college. Your essay can show them you are that person.

Can Your Essay Help You Get In?

The essay is not a standard part of every college application. In fact, about 60 percent of colleges don't even require one. But at other colleges, particularly highly selective colleges, a well-written essay is essential. There's even a chance it will boost a borderline application into the "admitted" column.

It's Always About You

No matter what the essay topic is, the real topic is you. The people who read your essay want to get to know you. Use the essay prompt to show your personality, humor, and ability to learn from your experiences.

Six Simple Steps to a Strong Essay

There's a huge amount of advice on writing college application essays. Here are some basic guidelines to get you started.

Read the instructions and stick to them. It's amazing how many students throw themselves into the essay without understanding the assignment. Analyze the essay question and requirements carefully. If you are asked, "Who is your favorite neighbor and why?" don't forget to explain the "why"! Note any rules, such as minimum and maximum word counts.

Get started. Many students procrastinate when starting their essay, making their anxiety—and their results—even worse. One way to get going is to talk through your topic. Record your thoughts or have someone type them as you speak.

Show your thoughtfulness. Colleges look for students who seek challenges and learn from them. As Harry Truman said, "It is what you learn after you know it all that counts." Many successful applicants write about situations in which they weren't so successful but learned a lot.

Develop your topic like a story. Begin with a great opening sentence that sets the stage. Then tell your story from beginning to middle to end. (Outlining your essay will help you lay out a strong story line.) Bear in mind that even a small incident can lead to a compelling essay. As one admission counselor explained, "It's amazing how much you can share in 250 words or less."

Be consistent with the rest of your application. Your essay should bring to life the same person revealed by your grades, scores, recommendations, and extracurriculars. Don't leave the admission reader wondering if your essay "wandered over" from another application.

Revise until it feels right. Ask people you trust to read your essay for coherence. They may have some ideas for improvement, but don't let anyone change your writing style or what you are trying to say. Don't send it to the college until someone with excellent grammar skills, such as a teacher or parent, proofreads it.

What's Next?

Find out how much weight application essays carry at your top schools. Look up a college with College Match, select the Admission tab, and scroll down to Selection of Students.